COMMENT: New figures underline the true scale of immigration

FIGURES uncovered by this newspaper reveal the full severity of the illegal immigration problem that faces this country.

More than 50 immigrants try to sneak in through our borders every day[GETTY]

In 2012/13 11,731 people were picked up trying to enter this country without permission.

In the 12 months to May this year officials intercepted 19,003, a rise of 62 per cent in just one year. The number of illegal immigrants is high and rising.

Illegal immigrants - and those that employ them - rob the Government of legitimate tax revenue, money that could be used to slash taxes or improve public services. And by virtue of the fact that they are willing to work for less than the minimum wage illegal immigrants help to create wage deflation and unemployment.

Once they have made it here deporting an illegal immigrant is a troublesome and costly process. If they attempt to claim asylum we have to pay the cost of processing that claim. Even if deportation is ordered that is rarely the end of the road, appeal after costly appeal usually follows.

In their bids to get here illegal immigrants are also creating problems by using trafficking networks that fund terrorist organisations such as Boko Haram and Islamic State.

The Government needs to introduce stronger punishments for human trafficking and to introduce rules that make it quicker and easier to deport the illegal immigrants who do make it here.

Prince George has set the trend for baby names for years to come [GETTY]

Boy prince leads the way

PRINCE George is surely one of the world's most influential toddlers. Not only do his toys and clothes sell out in no time but now his name has risen to become the 10th most popular in the country for baby boys. Choosing your child's name is a huge decision for any new parent. Choosing a name fit for a king must take some of the stress out of it.